Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Ever craved a dinner that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is your answer! Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, savory Parmesan crust, ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend meal, this dish is inspired by classic Italian flavors, brought to your table with minimal fuss. Let’s unlock the magic of this easy baked chicken recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is set to become a family favorite. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Quick Prep: Ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for convenience.
Cheesy Goodness: Loads of Parmesan for an irresistible flavor.
Tender Chicken: Bakes to juicy perfection every time.
Effortless Cleanup: One-dish wonder for easy washing.
Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
Budget-Friendly: Delicious without breaking the bank.
Flavorful Aroma: Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Compared to more complicated chicken recipes, this bake offers incredible flavor with significantly less effort. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

Ingredients Needed for Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. Let’s gather the ingredients!

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 680g)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50g). Freshly grated is best!
1/4 cup mayonnaise (around 60ml). Use a good quality one for richer flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds that essential garlic punch!
1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml). Extra virgin recommended.
1 teaspoon dried oregano. Toasting it lightly enhances its aroma.
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g). Sea salt or kosher salt preferred.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g). Freshly ground for the best taste.
1/4 cup bread crumbs (about 25g). Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch.
2 tablespoons melted butter (30ml). Unsalted or salted, to your preference.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Selection Tip: When choosing chicken breasts, opt for ones that are similar in size for even cooking. For the Parmesan, grating it yourself from a block provides a superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A comforting pasta dish featuring the same beloved flavors.

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these essential tools on hand before you start!

Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring even cooking.
Medium Bowl: You’ll need this for mixing the Parmesan cheese mixture.
Small Bowl: To combine the bread crumbs and melted butter.

Garlic parmesan chicken bake, ready to serve.

Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when making this amazing chicken bake:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable, so adjust the ingredients to suit your needs, whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a large gathering.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the chicken inside for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Parmesan Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Make the Bread Crumb Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated with butter, creating a delicious, crispy topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping. Spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle the bread crumb mixture generously over the Parmesan layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

CHECK OUT: Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe – Another fantastic chicken dish with a creamy, flavorful twist.

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake turns out perfectly every time!

Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry. Check for doneness at 25 minutes and adjust the time as needed.
Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Bonus Hack: Prepare the Parmesan mixture and bread crumb topping ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This makes assembly quick and easy on busy weeknights.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations and substitutions for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake!

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture for a kick.
Herb It Up: Use a mix of Italian herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme instead of just oregano.
Cheese It Up: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese under the Parmesan mixture for an extra cheesy bake.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake

Complete your meal with these delicious serving suggestions and pairings for your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake.

Close-up of cheesy garlic parmesan chicken.

Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are great healthy sides.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash provide a comforting contrast.
Pasta: Serve over a bed of pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs for a heartier meal.

Health Benefits

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Parmesan cheese provides calcium, important for bone health, and garlic offers immune-boosting properties. Oregano is rich in antioxidants.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake to maintain its deliciousness!

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the topping may not be as crispy.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tip: To prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the baking dish before placing it in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake:

How Do I Prevent the Chicken from Drying Out?

Ensure you don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps it cook evenly.

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?

Yes, you can! Try using a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella, or add some provolone for a different flavor profile. Just make sure Parmesan is still the predominant cheese for the signature taste.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I Add Vegetables to the Baking Dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers to the baking dish. Add them around the chicken breasts before baking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

How Do I Get the Bread Crumb Topping Crispier?

For an extra crispy bread crumb topping, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning. You can also use panko bread crumbs for a more substantial crunch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general nutritional overview of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake:

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 5g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more easy and flavorful dishes? Try these gems!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – A comforting pasta dish featuring the same beloved flavors.
Easy Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe – Another fantastic chicken dish with a creamy, flavorful twist.
Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake – a great way to enjoy chicken and veggies.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake is a fast, flavorful, and effortless way to enjoy a comforting meal. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece! You’ll love how simple it is to create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake